Irritability

Feeling irritable from time to time is certainly an unavoidable part of being human. However, when irritability is persistent, when you or others often think your irritability is out of proportion or inappropriate to the situation, or when your irritability damages your relationships, your ability to sleep, work, or eat, or your sense of well-being over the long term, it may be a sign of some deeper issue.

• Irritability in Depression and Bipolar
• Irritability in Work and Relationships - Case Example
• Husband Irritable with Wife and Children - Case Example

Irritability in Depression and Bipolar

People who are depressed may be irritable; this is especially common in teenagers and adolescents. Irritability is sometimes associated with bipolar disorder, especially the manic (up) cycle, but also with depressive episodes. Uncovering deeper feelings of grief or anger can help relieve the feelings irritability; this is something therapy can facilitate. Irritability usually has a cause, even if it is not immediately apparent. It can be a sign of dissatisfaction with one’s life, trouble in an important relationship, or, in some cases, a symptom of withdrawal from a drug or alcohol. Irritability can also, rarely, indicate an undiagnosed medical condition; if therapy does not identify a cause of your irritable feelings, a visit to a physician may be recommended.

Irritability in Work and Relationships - Case Example

Rhona, 49, has been irritable at work and her relationships are suffering. She seeks therapy, and attributes her moodiness to menopause. The therapist validates this possibility, but also explores Rhona’s level of satisfaction in her job and her life generally. Rhona admits she is lonely and sometimes depressed, and as she begins to get in touch with some feelings of grief and sadness, her irritability diminishes. Several months of therapy are required to work through her sadness, but her irritability does not return.

Husband Irritable with Wife and Children - Case Example

Paul, 32, seeks therapy after his wife insists upon it, as he has been very irritable with her and their young children for no apparent reason. Paul cannot identify a trigger to his irritability; he admits he is short and easily annoyed with his family and does not know why. He even reports feeling irritable with the therapist’s questions. A complete history reveals that Paul has experienced mood swings from time to time; a psychiatric evaluation indicates Paul suffers from bipolar disorder, and appears to be entering a manic phase. A small dosage of mood stabilizer remedies the situation in the short term; over the long term, Paul and his wife attend therapy sessions to learn about bipolar disorder and develop new coping skills to manage Paul’s moods when they arise.

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